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Monetary Policy Under Zero Interest Rate: Viewpoints of Central Bank Economists

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Monetary Policy Under Zero Interest Rate: Viewpoints of Central Bank Economists MONETARY AND ECONOMIC STUDIES/FEBRUARY 2001 Monetary Policy under Zero Interest Rate: Viewpoints of Central Bank Economists Hiroshi Fujiki, Kunio Okina, and Shigenori Shiratsuka Various proposals have been raised with respect to a desirable framework of monetary policy under the zero interest rate in Japan. By taking due account of such proposals, this paper intends to examine monetary policy options under the environment of the zero interest rate. In so doing, we first describe the policy framework of the “zero interest rate policy,” which was in place from February 1999 to August 2000, and its transmission mechanism. Then, in view of the problems intrinsic to the zero interest rate, we address three important questions: (1) the policy options that might be available in response to future economic developments; (2) the major risks associated with these policy options; and (3) how such risks might change under varying economic conditions. On this basis, we finally consider the medium- and long-term “style” of monetary policy in Japan in order to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. Key words: Zero interest rate policy; Quantitative easing; Open market operation of outright purchase of long-term government bonds; Dispelling deflationary concern; Styles of monetary policy management Hiroshi Fujiki: Senior Economist, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, and Financial Markets Department, Bank of Japan (E-mail: hiroshi.fujiki@ boj.or.jp) Kunio Okina: Director, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan (E-mail: [email protected]) Shigenori Shiratsuka: Senior Economist, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan (E-mail: [email protected]) 89 I. Introduction The primary objective of monetary policy conducted by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is to maintain price stability, thereby contributing to the sound development of the national economy. This mandate is clearly and indisputably defined in the Bank of Japan Law.1 However, when it comes to the implementation of monetary policy, there seems to be a considerable divergence of views. This paper attempts to analyze various options under zero interest rate policy from the standpoint of the monetary authorities. The key element in this analysis is how to weigh probable benefits against potential risks, both of which could be generated by these policy options. Judgment on this point can vary markedly, depending on actual economic conditions.2 Since the BOJ decided to terminate the zero interest rate policy on August 11, 2000, one may wonder why we need to look back on this episode from the past in detail. First of all, additional monetary easing under the zero interest rate policy is in itself a theoretically intriguing problem. In addition, there is the possibility that some external shocks might occur and necessitate the exploration of further monetary easing beyond the zero interest rate policy in the future. Assuming that the BOJ cannot entirely rule out this downside possibility and given that it is pursuing unprecedented monetary policy within the zero interest rate framework, it is worthwhile to thoroughly consider the costs and benefits of additional easing. A major contribution of this paper to the literature on the zero interest rate policy is to provide some numerical examples regarding the potential capital losses that the central bank could incur if it conducts aggressive operations of outright purchase of long-term government bonds under the zero interest rate policy. We hope that our estimates could give readers a quantitative benchmark of the future fiscal consequence. Many economists have argued that the losses from central bank operations must be added to the national budget, therefore the cost-benefit analysis from the view- point of the central bank does not capture the social cost of quantitative easing. However, in our opinion, such a view does not deny the importance of our numerical examples. Rather, the examples convince readers of the importance of understanding future fiscal consequences of quantitative easing under the zero interest rate, which seems to be ignored by many economists except Goodfriend (2000). The examples clearly show that it could be a mistake to investigate monetary policy under the zero interest rate independent of fiscal policy, and that the fiscal authority might need to assist the central bank. This paper is structured as follows. Chapter II describes the basic features of the zero interest rate policy, and Chapter III summarizes recent discussions on additional monetary easing under the zero interest rate. Chapters IV, V, and VI focus on the 1. Article 2 of the Bank of Japan Law stipulates that “Currency and monetary control shall be aimed at, through the pursuit of price stability, contributing to the sound development of the national economy.” 2. Okina (1999a, 1999b) also discusses the policy options for the BOJ under the zero interest rate policy based on the following two criteria: (1) the BOJ will take measures necessary to achieve the sound development of the national economy through the pursuit of price stability in the long run; however, (2) the BOJ will not take such measures if the side effects are deemed greater than the effects, which makes it difficult to achieve the objective in (1). 90 MONETARY AND ECONOMIC STUDIES/FEBRUARY 2001 Monetary Policy under Zero Interest Rate: Viewpoints of Central Bank Economists outright purchase of long-term government bonds, which quite a few Japanese economists have been advocating as an effective countermeasure, should economic conditions worsen again under the zero interest rate. Chapter VII stresses the importance of establishing modalities for effective monetary policy, and Chapter VIII concludes. Needless to say, monetary policy in Japan is decided by a majority vote at Monetary Policy Meetings.3 This paper does not aim to elaborate on such official or formal views, but rather present some personal thoughts on the management of monetary policy under the zero interest rate. Thus, it should be noted that what is expressed in this paper does not necessarily represent the official stance of the BOJ. II. Conduct of Zero Interest Rate Policy In the following, we review the characteristics of the zero interest rate policy pursued by the BOJ from February 1999 to August 2000. A. Development of Zero Interest Rate Policy In February 1999, the BOJ adopted the so-called zero interest rate policy to “flexibly provide ample funds and encourage the uncollateralized overnight call rate to move as low as possible,”4 in order to avoid possible intensification of deflationary pressure and to ensure that the economic downturn would come to a halt.5 Subsequently, in April 1999, the BOJ declared that it was committed to a zero interest rate policy “until deflationary concerns are dispelled.”6 This policy was intended to work on market expectations so as to stabilize interest rates ranging from overnight to term rates at a low level. Under this policy, the uncollateralized overnight call rate, which is a direct operational target rate of the BOJ, was stable at around virtually zero percent from April 1999 to August 2000 (Figure 1). On August 11, 2000, the BOJ determined to terminate the zero interest rate policy to “encourage the uncollateralized overnight call rate to move on average around 0.25%.” The Bank explained this policy action in the statement on “Change of the Guideline for Money Market Operations” as follows. 3. Information regarding the Monetary Policy Meeting of the BOJ, such as Announcement of the Monetary Policy Meeting Decisions, Monthly Report of Recent Economic and Financial Developments, and Minutes of the Monetary Policy Meeting, is available both in Japanese and English at the same time from the BOJ’s website (http://www.boj.or.jp). 4. During the early phase of the zero interest rate policy until the Monetary Policy Meeting on September 21, 1999, the policy directive for the intermeeting period contained an additional remark: “The Bank of Japan will provide ample funds if judged necessary to maintain stability of the financial markets.” However, at the meeting on October 13, 1999, this remark was regarded as unnecessary given market conditions at the time and was deleted. In addition, at the same meeting, the wording of the directive was also revised to more explicitly convey the content and aim of the zero interest rate policy. 5. Announcement of the Monetary Policy Meeting Decisions on February 12, 1999 pointed out the following: (1) “corporate and household sentiments remain cautious and private sector activities stagnant”; and (2) “long-term interest rates have risen considerably, and the yen has been appreciating against the dollar.” 6. Governor Hayami, at a press conference on April 13, 1999, stated “until we reach a situation in which deflationary concerns are dispelled, we will continue the current policy of providing necessary liquidity to guide the uncollateralized overnight call rate down to virtually zero percent while paying due consideration to maintaining the proper functioning of the market.” 91 Figure 1 Market Interest Rates Percent PC1 ⇓ ⇓ PC2 PC3 ⇓ 2.5 Call rates (overnight) Treasury bill-3M Japanese government bond-1Y Japanese government bond-2Y Japanese government bond-5Y Japanese government bond-10Y 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 JFMAMJ JASONDJFMAMJJASONDJFMAMJ JASO 1998 99 00 Notes: PC1–3 denote the following policy changes: PC1: Adoption of zero interest rate on February 12, 1999. PC2: Governor’s announcement on the commitment to the zero interest rate “until deflationary concerns are dispelled” at a press conference on April 13, 1999. PC3: Termination of zero interest rate policy on August 11, 2000. Sources: Bank of Japan, Financial and Economic Statistics Monthly; Bloomberg. Over the past one year and a half, Japan’s economy has substantially improved, due to such factors as support from macroeconomic policy, recovery of the world economy, diminishing concerns over the financial system, and technological innovation in the broad information and communications area.
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